In earlier blog posts about net-zero homes and super-insulated wall construction we touched on the Passivhaus concept. With the upcoming 20th International Passive House Conference, in Darmstadt, Germany, from April 22-23, 2016, it’s an ideal time to take a closer look at this housing standard. As you may have guessed, Passivhaus is German for passive […]
Most new homes are much more insulated than in the past. Much of the improvement has been achieved by specifying thicker walls that can accommodate more insulation. However, there’s still the issue of thermal bridging where heat passes through studs and other framing and is lost to the outdoors. Also, there’s the degree of airtightness […]
November has been declared Radon Action Month in Canada. What is Radon? In case you didn’t know, it’s one of the most dangerous carcinogens we can get exposed to. Where does Radon come from? It’s a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is formed during the radioactive decay process of uranium and thorium. These are the […]
For years, wooden buildings have been limited in height by building codes but that’s changing. Recently, Ontario approved a change to their building code that would allow the construction of mid-rise six storey wood buildings. Previously they were limited to four. Ontario now joins British Columbia who made the change more than five years ago […]
There’s been a lot of talk lately about net-zero energy (NZE) homes but what exactly are they? The idea is they generate enough energy to offset the amount they use. But most homes are unable to produce that much, so most of the equation is based on energy conservation. This means the house must be […]
It’s surprising how many older homes lack bathroom fans. In the past, when there was little concern over wasted energy, open windows were the solution to bathroom odors and humidity. Bathrooms easily create the most moisture and humidity in the home. This rise in humidity encourages the growth of mold, mildew and other microorganisms, which […]
In the past, cold drafty houses were the norm. We cranked up the heat to force all that chilly air out. There was also a greater tolerance for uncomfortably warm homes in summer months. But now, whole house air conditioning is so prevalent they can affect entire electric power grids during heat waves. Over the […]
Ideally, in a passively vented system the attic is completely sealed from the living space by gypsum board and caulking along all ceiling joints creating an airtight seal. Venting an attic is essential for a number of reasons including: – It prevents moisture buildup that can cause mildew and rot in the attic framing and […]
Arguably the most important part of a building is the roof. It must protect the residential or commercial structure from precipitation and temperature extremes. This makes most installers a little nervous – if not reluctant – to mess with the integrity of a building’s top surface by adding vents. Not only does every new hole […]
When choosing a spot to place an HVAC intake or exhaust vent, soffits can provide a convenient solution. The eaves of a roof can be used to help hide vent caps, and also play a vital role in proper attic ventilation. Still, it’s important for builders to carefully consider the purpose of a vent before […]
Plastic is one of the most versatile materials on earth. Think about all of the things we use every day that contain plastic: phones, cars, computers, televisions all contain some, but it’s used even more in our homes. We rely on it for everything from insulating the wires in our walls, water pipes, window frames, […]
A customer focus on energy efficiency is placing a premium on short, straight ductwork. Builders often find roof venting provides the most efficient path for exhaust from a home. Some builders are reluctant to cut holes in one of the most vital parts of the building envelope. The incorrect vent, improperly installed will always be […]
Clothes dryer exhaust vents are likely one of the riskiest construction elements contained in a home. In the United States, they are responsible for more than 12,000 fires every year. The combination of lint and high temperatures can spell disaster, often with few obvious warning signs. Proper airflow through an exhaust vent is key to […]
Ductwork is a key component of any modern home. Hidden in our floors and ceilings, nearly every house today is criss-crossed by a network of passages designed to move air from one spot to another. Even homes without forced air heating or cooling will likely have a dryer vent and bathroom, kitchen, or even radon […]
As Ontario builders prepare for the opportunity to create wood-frame six-storey mid-rises, building envelopes should be carefully considered and protected.Starting next year, the province will join B.C. by allowing taller wood structures in its building code. Wood has proven to be a safe and reliable material in these applications, but protecting that wood framing will prove vital […]
For many North American construction companies, rainscreens still represent a bit of a mystery. Finding experts in the field can be a challenge, but they do exist. In places like coastal Oregon and British Columbia, thousands of sealed building envelopes have been created with a breathable, capillary gap beneath the siding to allow water to drain […]
Expected changes to Ontario’s building code could spike wood frame construction. Builders will be allowed to create mid-rise six-storey structures from wood. Currently, they are limited to four storeys. It’s a change that was implemented in British Columbia five years ago, and could soon deliver some major construction advantages in Canada’s most populated province. The big benefit […]
Coastal areas of British Columbia and Oregon remain among the few places in North America where building codes require the installation of rainscreens. Their designs are often left up to the engineers or construction professionals installing them. Still, it’s important to keep in mind the lessons learned in jurisdictions like B.C. over the past 15 to […]
Did you know radon is a threat all homebuilders should be aware of? It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, and is present at dangerous levels in thousands of homes across North America. Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally as part of the decay process of minerals found in the ground. […]
Rainscreens are a great way to protect homes from the elements, but even the best engineered systems can be compromised when you start cutting holes in walls. Things like windows and vent caps create spots where water can seep behind the membrane inside a rainscreened wall. Careful installation is vital to keeping moisture on the […]